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Houston Astros: An overview of the offseason possibilities

ByKaren Watson|
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 21: The Houston Astros celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees by a score of 4-0 to win Game Seven of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 21, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The Houston Astros advance to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 21: The Houston Astros celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees by a score of 4-0 to win Game Seven of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 21, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The Houston Astros advance to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
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Astros take a one game lead in the World Series on a Gerrit Cole gem
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 27: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros reacts after retiring the side in the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals in Game Five of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park on October 27, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

A Few More Exciting Possibilities:

Rounding out our rotation is where the truly wishful thinking comes in for me. I predict Cole to be back in 2020. Though negotiations will be very sticky because of all of the interest he is going to command this offseason, I believe Cole likes winning and that this will play a huge part in his decision. I’m very optimistic he accepts a reasonable offer from the Astros to return next season.

Let’s have some fun, though, and let’s just look at some of the other options the Astros would have to choose from to add to the rotation.

Astros -
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 26: Jose Urquidy #65 of the Houston Astros delivers the pitch against the Washington Nationals during the second inning in Game Four of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park on October 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

It goes without saying that José Urquidy definitely earned at least a #4 or #5 spot in the rotation. He held his own in the postseason and seems to have earned the respect of the management, the team, and the fans alike. We should look for him to be a part of those likely to round out our rotation.

The Astros certainly have the ability to fill out the rotation without going elsewhere. With Brad Peacock figuring out his shoulder/neck issues, could he possibly be stretched out to be our #4 or #5? Or maybe it could be Josh James to the rescue in 2020. Were it not for his injury in Spring Training in 2019, it’s possible he’s already part of that rotation for us. Maybe we give James another shot in 2020.

If we were to re-sign Cole, add Urquidy, Peacock, and/or James to the rotation, with Will Harris, Joe Smith, and Ryan Pressly rounding out the pen nicely, thoughts then move to Cionel Perez and Framber Valdez as possible adds to the pen. And let’s not forget about Bryan Abreu and Joe Biagini. We have tons of possibilities that could pan out very well for us in 2020.

Or maybe we finally get to see what Forrest Whitley has to offer. Since his 2019 year was not all that great, is he going to need more time in the minors to mature? Or will he finally be ready for his debut in the big show?

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